Chief of Staff Army, Retired Soldier (Retiree) Council Input

CW5 Robert L. Huffman — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:25:36 -0400

If you could present one issue to the CSA RC what would it be? Try to follow the Issue, Discussion and Recommendation format. This is obviously an Army specific discussion, you can learn more about the CSA RC at: http://soldierforlife.army.mil/retirement/retireecouncil

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 1:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Oct 2014 13:50:53 -0400

I would have ACAP be a progressive course as opposed to the current 5 day's and you're good program. Have transitioning Vets come back through at scheduled times to check on transition progress, job search, and resume development.

I've heard quite a few former Soldiers tell me that ACAP was a "check the block" class for out processing and that it didn't help them at all (most cited the cursory class on "resume building" being a waste of time).

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2014 10:51 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Oct 2014 22:51:15 -0400

CW5 Robert L. Huffman, my one issue as a veteran is to not allow "them" to jack up the TRICARE premium. When I joined up, in 1975, it may not have been in writing, but I joined with the understanding that I would have medical care for life if I put in my 20 and retired. I put in 30, and ever since I've retired, there has been talk of increased TRICARE premiums. The premiums have gone up slightly, but some of the proposals I have seen are way higher than what we've seen to this point.

My suggestion / request is to continue to fight the good fight to hold TRICARE premiums where they are.

Thanks.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Oct 26 at 2014 12:56 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Sun, 26 Oct 2014 12:56:29 -0400

I agree with CW5 Private RallyPoint Member , My wife and I are raising our 5 year old grandson and it gets tight. With my wife's medical deductibles and the cost of her medical supplies (test strips etc) and other things we are almost living check to check now. I use the VA (ugh) but her med copay averages $80 a month and doctor visit each time our copay is $12. When Monty and I went in retirees had no copays for anything. Cost keeps going up and our cost of living raises keep getting smaller.

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 27 at 2014 9:39 AM

SPC James Mcneil — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 09:39:53 -0400

I would present the issue of veteran suicide and how the current system in place to prevent it is broken.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Oct 27 at 2014 11:50 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 11:50:32 -0400

If I could present one issue to the CSA RC what would it be the disparity of support of Army Reserve soldiers in comparison to the two other components of the ARMY (RA/NG/AR)? The Regular Army has the entirety the Army supporting and protecting them. The National Guard has the NGB and 50 Governors. The Army Reserve has a Lieutenant General.
To the points listed in the article.
A. To provide the Chief of Staff, Army with advice and recommendations regarding vital issues and concerns of Retired Soldiers, surviving spouses, and their Families. Why are you not including spouses and family members on the council?